Question 1

What does IVF stand for?

Accepted Answer

IVF stands for In Vitro Fertilisation, a type of assisted reproductive technology (sometimes called ART) where an egg is fertilised by sperm outside of the body, in a laboratory dish, and then implanted for gestation.

Question 2

How much does IVF cost in Sydney?

Accepted Answer

The cost of a full IVF cycle starts at $10,000 and can run up to $14,000. The good news is that Medicare rebates are available, which can offset the cost. With the Medicare rebate, out-of-pocket expenses are likely to be $4,000–$7,500. If this is out of reach, then there are a number of avenues to explore, including clinics that offer bulk-billing, state-specific additional rebates, and coverage under private insurance.

Question 3

Is IVF covered by Medicare in Australia?

Accepted Answer

A Medicare rebate is available for IVF, which can cover as much as half the total cost. This includes expenses like blood tests, ultrasounds, laboratory costs, egg retrieval, and embryo transfers. However, some costs, like cryopreservation and certain diagnostic genetic tests, aren't covered by Medicare. To access these benefits, you’ll need a referral from your GP. Additionally, some clinics offer bulk-billing, and those in NSW can access the Fertility Rebate-2, which grants an additional $2,000 to those undergoing fertility treatments.

Question 4

Can you choose gender with IVF in Australia?

Accepted Answer

In Australia, gender selection is only permitted for medical reasons, meaning to avoid passing on specific conditions. For example, if parents are likely to pass on genetic conditions like haemophilia or muscular dystrophy (which primarily affect males) then they may be given the option to choose a female embryo through pre-implantation genetic diagnosis. A non-medical preference for male or female will not be taken into consideration.

Question 5

How long does IVF take to get pregnant?

Accepted Answer

The entire process, including ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilisation and embryo culture, embryo transfer, and a blood test 10-14 days later to check for the presence of the pregnancy hormone, can take around 4-6 weeks. However, for many people, it takes multiple cycles. On average, the success rate for the first cycle of IVF is about 40% for women under 35. Many undergo 2-3 cycles to achieve pregnancy, and after two cycles, the cumulative success rate can be up to 91%. For women over 40, IVF may take multiple cycles and can be more challenging, with success rates falling to around 8-10% per cycle. Again, the cumulative success rate rises after multiple rounds.

Question 6

What is the most successful IVF clinic in Australia?

Accepted Answer

You can use YourIVFSuccess, a site funded by the Australian Government, to find independent success rates for all accredited IVF clinics in Australia. When weighing up clinics, you should look at some key metrics, including live birth rate per complete egg retrieval cycle, and live birth rate per embryo transfer. Since being established in 2024, Minerva Fertility Clinic has reported some promising early data, including a 75.9% clinical pregnancy rate for PGT-A tested embryos created in-house, which is above the national average.

Question 7

How many eggs for one round of IVF?

Accepted Answer

The number of eggs retrieved during one round of IVF varies depending on the patient's age, ovarian reserve, and response to ovarian stimulation. Under 35 years old: 10-15 eggs, 35-37: 8-12 eggs, 38-40: 6-8 eggs, Over 40: 4-6 eggs per cycle.

Question 8

How many IVF are successful first try?

Accepted Answer

For women under 35, the success rate of IVF is around 40% on the first round. For women between 35 and 37, it's about 30-35%. For women aged 38-40, around 20-25%, and for those over 40, it can be as low as 10-15%. Cumulative success rates improve over multiple rounds, with women over 35 seeing 60-70% chance after multiple rounds.

Question 9

How many babies born through IVF in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Over 20,000 babies were born via IVF in 2022, which is around 1 in 16 births. The multiple birth rate decreased to a record low of 2.7%, attributed to the increasing practice of single embryo transfers, which now account for over 94% of IVF cycles.

Question 10

How many times can you do IVF in a year?

Accepted Answer

Most specialists recommend no more than 3-4 IVF cycles in a year. Rest periods between cycles ensure better egg quality in subsequent cycles. Doctors often reassess the treatment plan between cycles, adjusting medications or strategies.

Question 11

What are the five stages of IVF?

Accepted Answer

Stage 1, Ovarian Stimulation (10-14 days): Hormone injections are used to stimulate the ovaries. Stage 2, Egg Retrieval: A minimally invasive procedure collects the eggs. Stage 3, Sperm Collection: Sperm is collected and processed. Stage 4, Fertilisation: Eggs are fertilised naturally or via ICSI. Stage 5, Embryo Transfer: The healthiest embryos are transferred into the uterus and a pregnancy test is done 10-14 days later.

Question 12

How do I prepare my body for IVF?

Accepted Answer

Preparing for IVF means staying fit and healthy: 7-9 hours of sleep, a balanced diet, light exercise, and mindfulness. Take any supplements recommended by your doctor, which might include folic acid up to three months before starting IVF.

Question 13

How much does PGT cost in Australia?

Accepted Answer

The price of Pre-Implantation Genetic Testing varies by type and clinic. PGT-A: approx $750 per embryo, capped at $5,250 for seven embryos. PGT-SR: approx $780 per embryo, capped at $5,460. PGT-M: $2,730–$2,960, analysis $945 per embryo, capped at $6,615 for seven embryos.

Question 14

Is PGT covered by Medicare?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Medicare rebates are available if undergoing PGT for specific genetic or chromosomal variations. Your fertility specialist or genetic counsellor can determine if you qualify based on the type of condition and number of embryos.

Question 15

What is the PGT success rate?

Accepted Answer

Success depends on age, embryo quality, and clinic expertise. PGT-A: improves pregnancy chances by 10-20%, with 55-75% success for women under 35 per embryo transfer. PGT-M: accuracy over 99% for identifying unaffected embryos. PGT-SR: improves chances by reducing miscarriage risk.

Question 16

How much does a fertility test cost in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Basic fertility testing by your GP costs up to a standard visit. Comprehensive tests, including sperm analysis and ovarian reserve, range $80–$500. Genetic testing or PGT costs more. Many tests are eligible for Medicare rebates with a GP referral.

Question 17

Can I ask my GP to check my fertility?

Accepted Answer

Yes, your GP can perform an initial fertility assessment and order basic tests. More complex exams, like ovarian reserve testing or semen analysis, need fertility specialists, accessible via GP referral.

Question 18

Is fertility covered by Medicare?

Accepted Answer

Many fertility treatments are partly or fully covered under Medicare with a GP referral. Partial coverage includes intrauterine insemination, IVF (up to 75%), intracytoplasmic sperm injection, and medically indicated egg/sperm freezing. Some medications may be subsidised through the PBS, especially for IVF.

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